Chapter 13

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Iris

I stand before the closet in my luxurious room at Desire House, staring blankly at the rows of dark lace dresses and leather jackets.

No matter how many designer outfits surround me, my mind keeps drifting to him.

To Viper.

Staying here more than the apartment he bought for me and Allegra somehow feels safer, less intimate.

But even amidst the opulence and velvet furnishings, I can't escape thoughts of his tattoo-covered flesh against mine, his commanding presence, the way he unravels me with a mere glance from those piercing eyes.

I slide hangers aside with more force than necessary, metal screeching against the rod.

I need a distraction, and I need it now.

Before I throw on a raven black dress and storm over to his estate, propriety and secrets be damned.

My phone buzzes from the vanity and I welcome the intrusion.

Crossing the room, I swipe to see a text from Allegra:

Iris!!!! I have the PERFECT plan for tonight. Get your hot ass over here ASAP so we can pick outfits and pregame. It's time to show Tinsel Creek how it's done.

I can't help but smile.

Leave it to Allegra to sense when I need a girls night out.

Feeling energized by the promise of an epic evening, I tap out a reply:

On my way, babe. Hope you're ready to choose between lace and leather because my closet is STACKED. Xx

I toss the phone onto the bed and pivot back to my wardrobe with renewed determination.

Flicking past the darker shades, a flash of emerald green catches my eye.

I pluck the hanger out and hold up a slinky silk dress with a dangerously high slit.

It's a showstopper and exactly what I need to feel powerful tonight.

Draping it carefully into a garment bag, I gather the rest of the necessities—sky-high stilettos, a fringed clutch, and the diamond choker Viper sent over here last week.

I know it’s a gift to let me know he’s thinking about me, that I’m on his mind.

"Stop it," I mutter under my breath, giving my head a firm shake.

I will not let him infiltrate every crevice of my mind, not when a wild night with my best friend awaits.

Zipping up the bag with excessive enthusiasm, I sling it over my shoulder and head for the door.

As I step into the hallway, the faint scent of his cologne seems to linger.

I inhale deeply, savoring it for a fleeting moment before straightening my spine and striding toward the stairs.

Tonight is about me and Allegra, about laughter and cocktails and moving our bodies to pulsing beats until we forget our own names.

And if I happen to cross paths with a certain dominant, mysterious businessman, well...a little harmless flirtation never killed anyone.

My crimson lips curve into a smirk as I head down the stairs.

Viper Beckett may have a hold on my heart, but I'm in control of my own destiny.

And right now, that destiny involves drinking, dancing, and making some very sinful memories with my best friend by my side.

As the doors slide open, I step into the glittering lobby of the Desire House.

I saunter outside and head over to my car, then give myself a once over in the rear-view mirror.

My eyes sparkle with mischief and my hair tumbles in glossy dark brown waves over one shoulder.

I look every inch the tattooed temptress, ready to set the city ablaze.

I weave through the Christmas decorated streets of the town until I arrive at Allegra and Viper’s house.

I lean my head back and close my eyes after I park, letting the memories of Viper wash over me one last time.

His growl in my ear as he yanks me against him on the dance floor.

The way his hands map every curve of my body like he's claiming undiscovered territory.

The rasp in his voice when he tells me I'm his, only his...

I summon every ounce of willpower and tuck the memories away, locking them in a secret corner of my heart.

Tonight is about letting loose and reveling in my youth, not pining after an older man with a complicated past.

With my garment bag in hand I stride toward the entrance, I mentally slip into party mode.

Flirty, fun Iris with no cares beyond the next dirty martini and bass drop.

I press the doorbell and soon enough Allegra’s opening the door.

Allegra’s a sight to take in, already dressed to kill in a slinky black number that hugs her figure like a second skin.

Her eyes light up when she sees me and she rushes over to pull me into a hug.

"There's my girl," she says, planting a kiss on my cheek. "You look phenomenal!”

I laugh and hold up the garment bag like a trophy. "Well, we might both be changing. I brought some other dresses. There might be a little number in here that’s a heart attack waiting to happen."

We link arms and sashay into her room, giggling like schoolgirls.

As I lay the dress out on her bed and start stripping down, I feel a rush of gratitude for Allegra's friendship.

She's the tequila to my lime, the Thelma to my Louise.

With her by my side, I can face anything...even my feelings for her father.

But that's an issue for another night.

Right now, there's a bottle of vodka with our names on it and a string of clubs calling our names.

I shimmy into the emerald silk, letting Allegra zip me up as I twirl in front of the mirror.

"Damn, Iris," she breathes, raking her eyes over my reflection. "Forget heart attack...that dress is a one-way ticket to sin city."

I smirk at her and strike a pose. "That's the plan, babe. Now rifle through the bag and see if there’s anything you want to wear. I’m sure you want to go break some hearts and cause some chaos."

It’s no time before we’re dropped off at the club by an Uber.

As we step into the club, the heavy bass thrums through my body like a second heartbeat.

Sweat-slicked bodies grind together on the dance floor, while laser lights slice through the haze of smoke.

The energy is electric, intoxicating, and I can already feel myself getting lost in the pulsing rhythm.

Allegra grabs my hand and pulls me toward the bar, her eyes glittering with mischief. "First round's on me," she shouts over the music, signaling the bartender. "Two tequila shots and keep 'em coming!"

I grin at her enthusiasm and we clink glasses, the salt and lime barely registering as the liquor burns down my throat.

The warmth spreads through my limbs, loosening my muscles and my inhibitions.

"Let's dance," I say, tugging Allegra toward the writhing mass of bodies.

We slip into the crowd, letting the beat guide our movements.

Hips swaying, arms raised, hair flying—we lose ourselves in the primal joy of it all.

But even as I lose myself in the moment, I can't shake the feeling that something—or someone—is missing.

Every time someone’s body accidentally brushes against me, I find myself wishing it was Viper.

Damn him for ruining me, for making it impossible to enjoy a night out without craving his touch, his scent, his everything.

It's like he's imprinted himself on my very soul.

I shake off the melancholy thoughts and force myself to focus on the here and now.

On Allegra's smiling face and the euphoric rush of the alcohol and adrenaline.

Tonight is about friendship and freedom, not pining over a man I can't have right now.

We dance for hours, until our feet ache and our throats are raw from singing along to every song.

When we finally stumble off the dance floor, flushed and giddy,

Allegra pulls me in for a sweaty hug.

"Best night ever," she declares, her words only slightly slurred. "I love you so much, Iris. Promise me we'll always have this, no matter what happens in our lives."

My heart clenches at her words.. "I promise, Allegra. Nothing and no one will ever come between us. You're my sister, my soulmate."

She beams at me, eyes glassy with emotion and inebriation. "Sisters forever," she says solemnly.

"Forever and always," I echo, meaning it with every fiber of my being.

We decide to hit up one more club before calling it a night, still riding the high of our epic girls' night out.

As we wait in line outside the velvet ropes, I take a moment to check my phone.

No texts or calls from Viper, not that I was expecting any.

We occasionally text, but for the most part it’s radio silence.

I feel a pang of disappointment but quickly squash it down.

Tonight is about me and Allegra, not my forbidden feelings for her father.

Speaking of... I glance over at my beautiful best friend, radiant in the glow of the streetlights.

She's chatting animatedly with the group of people ahead of us in line, her laughter carrying over the din of the crowd.

I won't let my selfish desires ruin the most important relationship in my life.

Allegra deserves better than that.

She deserves a loyal friend, not a backstabbing Jezebel sleeping with her dad behind her back.

So, I vow then and there to put some much-needed distance between me and Viper.

To stop indulging in our clandestine encounters, no matter how much my traitorous body craves his touch.

It won't be easy, but it's the right thing to do until we can tell her.

God, we have to tell her.

For Allegra, for our friendship, and for my own sanity.

I'm drawn out of my contemplation by Allegra grabbing my arm excitedly as we reach the front of the line. "We're up next!" she squeals. "Let's show 'em how it's done."

I flash the bouncer a flirty smile as he checks our IDs.

"Ready to tear up the dance floor?" I ask Allegra with a wink.

"Born ready, baby," she laughs.

And with that, we saunter arm-in-arm into the club, ready to make more mischief and memories.

I feel lighter somehow, freed from the burden of my illicit desires.

Tonight, I'm just Iris—bold, brazen, and unapologetically myself.

And for the first time in a long time, that feels like more than enough.

The two of us down two more shots of tequila each and make our way to the dance floor.

We’re dancing the night away and it feels like we’re in an episode of Sex in the City.

At least, it does until a set of rough hands grab me from behind, spinning me around and away from Allegra.

I'm ready to unleash hell on whoever dares manhandle me, but the words die on my tongue when I see who it is.

Lyon.

My ex from hell.

Fan-fucking-tastic.

"Well, well, well," he drawls, his grip on my upper arms tightening to the point of pain. "If it isn't the Siren of Satin Dreams, in the flesh."

I know Lyon.

I know him all too well.

He’s trying to make me feel like absolute shit, but I will not give him the satisfaction.

"Let go of me, asshole," I hiss, trying to wrench free.

He just laughs, cruel and mocking. "Still got that fiery spirit, I see. No wonder a certain someone’s so hung up on you."

At the mention of Viper, my blood turns to ice in my veins.

Allegra doesn’t know and all of this could go to shit if she overhears him.

Panic claws at my throat, but I force it down, masking my face with an unbothered expression.

I can't let Lyon see he's gotten to me.

"I don't know what you're talking about," I say evenly. "Now let me go, before I make a scene."

Lyon's lips curl in a sneer, his eyes glittering with malice. "Go ahead, sweetheart. Scream your pretty little head off. No one's going to hear you over the music."

He's right, damn him.

The bass is so loud it vibrates in my bones, the strobe lights disorienting.

We're just two more bodies in the writhing throng, anonymous and insignificant.

But I'll be damned if I let this prick intimidate me.

Summoning every ounce of bravado I possess, I rear back and slap him across the face, putting all my strength behind it.

The crack of skin on skin is lost in the pounding beat, but the sting in my palm is satisfying as all hell.

Lyon's head snaps to the side, his eyes wide with shock.

"Don't you ever fucking touch me again," I spit, my voice dripping with venom.

For a moment, he just stares at me, his cheek reddening where I struck him.

Then, to my utter disbelief, he starts to laugh.

It's a harsh, grating sound, devoid of any real humor.

It sets my teeth on edge and my spine prickling, every instinct screaming danger.

"Oh, Iris," he chuckles, shaking his head. "You really are a piece of work, you know that? No wonder he’s so obsessed with you."

Shame and anger war within me, knotting my stomach and flushing my skin.

“Go to hell.”

Lyon's smile sharpens, his eyes glinting like chips of obsidian.

He leans in close, his breath hot and stale against my cheek. "Oh, I'm sure we'll both end up there eventually," he murmurs, his voice low and intimate. "But Viper's already in his own personal hell, thanks to you. And as for me..."

His hand slides down my arm, his fingers biting into my wrist.

I try to jerk away, but his grip is implacable.

"My brother isn't here to save you now," he says softly, almost gently. "And neither is that sick fuck Viper. It's just you and me, Iris. Just like old times."

At that moment, Allegra lurches against Lyon, her face a sickly shade of green.

She retches, and the next thing I know, a geyser of vomit is erupting from her mouth, splattering all over Lyon's expensive suit.

"What the fuck!" he screams, shoving her away in disgust.

She stumbles, nearly falling, but I lunge forward and catch her, wrapping my arms around her waist.

"You fucking bitch!" Lyon spits, frantically brushing at his ruined clothing. "This is Armani, you stupid cunt!"

Ironic he’s wearing a designer suit, but I guess when Viper bought Satin Dreams it put a little money in his and his brother’s pockets.

I barely hear him, too focused on keeping Allegra upright.

She's sagging against me, her head lolling on my shoulder.

"Bathroom," I mutter, scanning the crowded club. "We need to get you to the bathroom."

I half-carry, half-drag her through the throng of sweaty bodies, ignoring the dirty looks and annoyed grumbles as we push past.

Finally, I spot the neon sign for the ladies' room and stagger toward it, shouldering the door open.

The bathroom is blessedly empty, the bass of the music muffled by the walls.

I ease Allegra down onto the tiled floor, propping her up against the wall.

"Stay here," I tell her, brushing her hair back from her sweaty forehead. "I'm going to get you some water."

I hurry to the sink, grabbing a handful of paper towels and wetting them under the faucet.

As I'm pressing the damp cloth to Allegra's face, the bathroom door swings open.

A woman steps inside, dressed head to toe in sleek black clothing.

She regards us impassively, her face an expressionless mask.

"Ms. Beckett?" she says, her voice crisp and professional. "Please come with me. Your father has sent me to escort you to his office."

I stare at her, my brow furrowing. "His office? Why would Viper have an office here?"

The woman's lips thin, a flicker of impatience crossing her features. "Because Mr. Beckett owns this establishment," she says coolly. "Now please, follow me so we can get Ms. Beckett cleaned up and in some fresh clothes."

Owns this establishment?

Since when did Viper get into the nightclub business?

And why the hell didn't he tell me?

Anger and hurt swirl inside me, but I push them down.

Right now, Allegra needs me.

Viper and his fucking secrets can wait.

"Fine," I snap, hauling Allegra to her feet.

She sways against me, groaning softly. "Lead the way."

My mind races as we navigate the crowded club, the pulsing beat of the music at odds with the turmoil inside me.

Viper owns this place.

Of course he does.

Is there anything in this goddamn city that doesn't have his fingerprints all over it?

I grip Allegra tighter, my best friend now a dead weight against my side.

She mumbles something incoherent, her head lolling onto my shoulder.

"Hang in there, Allegra," I murmur, my lips brushing her hair. "We're going to get you sorted out."

The woman leads us to a nondescript door at the back of the club, punching in a code on the keypad.

It beeps and unlocks with a soft click.

She ushers us inside, and I find myself in a dimly lit hallway, the walls lined with abstract art that probably costs more than I make in a year.